Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 3778, Dabney Freeman, Va.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Va.
Freeman, Dabney Abney or
R. 3778
CONTENTS

No: 37. 028. Abney or Dalby Freeman Abney or Dalby son Precipice Oct. 7 June 1832
No. 1.
Declaration.

State of Virginia
Rockingham County unit:
On this 17 th day of March 1845 personally before me appeared Abner Freeman a resident of said County aged eighty five years, who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on his oath make his following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by Act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832. That he was a medium man in the war of the revolution and served there twelve months, that he was drafted in Captain White's Company in the month of October 1780, that he entered service at that time and proceeded to the lower County at a place called the "Big sum Spring", where he remained some months on duty, that afterwards his Company were called to Williamsburg, whether they went and from there his Company was marched to the Siege of Yorktown in Virginia which was he thinks in the fall of 1781, that he returned home after Cornwallis surrendered, that on his way down he marched through, Culpeper, Spotsylvania, King and Queen Counties and other Counties the names of which he cannot now remember. That he was in no battle that

recalled between the British and Americans some short time after he reached the lower country, that said battle was on Oak River, was June and he was wounded with two shots in the thigh which can be seen at this day; that at the time of entering the service he was a resident of Orange County - that he cannot from the lapse of time and failure of memory specify the Col. he was under but he remembers that General Ward was his commander.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or any annuity except the present and he declares that his name is not in the pension rolls of any agency in any State, whatsoever.
Sealed with my seal
Sworn to and subscribed on this 17 th day of March 1845.
Aug. Walbridge, a justice of the Peace for the County of R. Kingston —
Roxborough County March Court 1845
The Declaration of Abney or Labney Freeman of this County for a pension under act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832 Taken before Augustus Walbridge Esq. a Magistrate for said County of Roxborough was read in open Court and ordered to be enrolled to the War Department at Washington City said Declaration bearing date on the 17 th day of March 1845
Attest
Henry J. Gamble Clerk of Roxborough County

A Copy Test
Henry J. Gamble Clerk of Rockingham County
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed the seal of my said County and set my hand the 18 th day of March in the year 1845
H. J. Gamble Clerk of Rockingham County Virginia

Interrogatories and answers of Deutney Freeman taken before Hon. Daniel Smith judge.
O. Payson. = 12 =
No. 2.

Upon the application of Sidney Freeman for a Pension under act of June 1832 the following questions and answers were received in open Court.
1. When and in what year were you born Ans. I was born in Orange County Virginia in 1760 as I was always informed by my father Isaac Freeman deceased
2. Have you any records of your age and if so where is it?
Answer. I have no record myself of my age but was of the opinion my age was at that time in the Church book where I was Christened. I always understood that my age was there recorded - but have never seen it and do not know that the book is now in the keeping of any person whatever. The Church was called "Bull Run Chapel" and I think was in the County of Orange Virginia.
3. Where were you living when called into service where have you lived since the Revolutionary War and where do you now live?
Answer.
At the time of my service in the Revolution I was a resident of Orange County Virginia. After the war I came to the Valley of Virginia and for the period of about 37 years past have lived in Rockingham and Augusta Counties.

and at this time I reside in the County of Rocking- ham on the Inverness Road and am boarding at Mrs. Katharine Grimms - a friend of mine.
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted did you volunteer or were you a substitute and if a substitute for whom?
Answer.
I was a drafted soldier in White Company, & my father Isaac Freeman was also in said Company as a private. My father was with me the first seconds and third batt all of which was under Capt. White. I was not a substitute for any one.
5 th . State the names of some of the Regular soldiers officers who were with the troops when you served, such Continental and militia Regiments as you can recollect and the general circumstances of your service?
Answer.
According to my memory during my first and second tours there was none of the reg- ular army attached to our Company. & Consequently cannot name any of the offi- cers of the Continental Line. During those times there was Captain Isaac Davis Company of the militia attached to us and he was from Danby. And there was also during the first two tours Captain John Tyler & his Company from Carolina.

and also Cap. Hutton from James County and another militia company from Louisa under Cap. Gordon all of whom I remember very well. As to the cir- cumstances of my first hair of six months I remember that soldiers in other lines were convicted of vio- lating orders by getting drunk and were punished by standing on "spasquettes" - being two sharp ends of iron fastened to a plank on which they were suspended from a kind of scaffold. The punishment did not last.  last.  was  was in my opinion I think. And I also re- member that several men were "shaved dry" for not keeping themselves clean of beard - and various other incidents which I do not consider necessary to mention. During my first trip on other company was under General Minton whom I knew. I also knew General Washington by sight. and while in that last trip the siege of York commenced & I was in it all - and my father being a very strong man held me on his shoulders to see General Gore up his sword - and in that way I saw the ceremony. At the siege of York I received two wounds which were soon to be seen and at times almost disabled me from walking. I remember before the siege of York commenced Mr. Peter had hired a guerrilla for our officer and I saw him a wife, but I thought it cruel treatment. For he had liked to have died in consequence of the stripes inflicted on him.

6 th Did you ever receive a discharge from the service and if so by whom was it given and what has become of it?
Answer.
I never called for a discharge from either of my terms - other soldiers however received them but I did not think it worth while to get a discharge after the Compañies were disbanded and told so to Genl. Bradee my anxiety to return was so great that I do not think I would have taken one had it been offered to me. My Father received his discharge I think.
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood and who can testify to your standing for honesty and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.
Answer.
I know Genl. Lewis - Col. Shandon, Major Ed. Davis, Col. Givens & others all of whom may speak of my character. I have time after time visited my old neighborhood in search of proof of my services - but found the old soldiers had either died or moved off and recently found old Mr. Frost who remembers I have been in service with me.
My reasons for delaying an applica-

Here this bill was read forth in an accompanying paper and I hope this will be satisfactory. It was read in open court the 9 th day of October the 9 th of October 1845 - Henry J. Freeman  Testis 
Henry J. Gamble Clerk of the Present Sup. Court of Law & Chancery of Rockingham County V a 
I Henry J. Gamble Clerk of the Present Supreme Court of Law and Chancery for Rockingham County, do hereby certify that foregoing, is an Original Paper, which was annexed to the Declaration under in Open Court, on the 9 th day of October in the year 1845 by Henry Freeman for a petition under the acts of Congress in that case made and provided, which was ordered to be sent to the war department.
In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of my said Court, this 9 th day of October in the year 1845.
H J Gamble Clerk, P.S.C Law and Chancery of Rockingham V a 

Acts of July 14, 1862, and March 3, 1873.
REJECTED
3738
P. O. Dalney Freeman
Service: _____
Enlisted: _____, 18
Discharged: _____, 18
Application filed: _____, 18
Alleges: _____
Re-enlisted: _____
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____
_____ Recognized. _____ Contract.

No 37.028 Avery or Dabney Freeman
Var
Robt Coleman Payne May 30. '45 On Aug. 26. 1845, gave Freeman, who was present, a copy of the letter to Payne
Let to Coleman Payne Oct 2 nd 1845!
3778
act 7 June 1832

A.
Old Mr. Sumner new business mills
The above advertisement made thinking Old Mr. Sumner might have something to discover about - but upon ex- amination he does not.
C. Payson Oct. 1847

DEPARTMENT OF WAR,
PENSION OFFICE, June 27, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted by the Secretary of War, for carrying into effect the Act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832, entitled "An Act supplementary to 'An Act for the relief of the surviving officers and soldiers of the Revolution.'"
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State Troops," "Militia," and "Volunteers," all persons enlisted, draughted, or who volunteered, and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store-keepers, &c., Teamsters, Boatmen, &c.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
1. The Regular Troops. 2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers. 3. Persons employed in the Naval Service. 4. Indian Spies.
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians, or privates, will, in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of } ss. County of }
On this _____ day of _____ personally appeared (a) the _____ of the A. B. a resident (b) of _____ in the county of _____ and State, Territory, or District of _____ aged (c) _____ years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) _____, with _____ and served in the _____ (e) regiment of the _____ line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present; and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of _____
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I _____ of the Court of _____ do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of _____ for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this _____ day of _____ &c.
If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will receive detailed instructions, respecting the nature and form of the testimony they must produce, to secure their being placed on the Pension Roll, ( vide note j. ) As the presumption will, in such case, be against the applicants, in consequence of the omission of their names in the muster-rolls, they will be required to furnish, as near as may be, the same evidence as has heretofore been required by the Regulations and practice adopted for carrying into effect the act of Congress of March 18, 1818, and the acts supplementary thereto; with such relaxations as have been from time to time sanctioned by the Department, on account of the rapid decrease of the survivors of the Revolutionary army, and the consequent difficulty of procuring direct positive testimony in every case.
Whenever an officer or non-commissioned officer is now in the receipt of a pension, he should make application, if entitled to the benefits of this act, by letter merely, setting forth his rank, and the regiment, corps, or vessel, in which he served, and his present place of residence. His pension certificate must accompany his letter.
In those cases where the applicants have once been on the Pension roll, under the act of March 18, 1818, and have been dropped therefrom on account of property, or from any other reason, or where application has been made under the act of May 15th, 1828, and the evidence of service is in the Departments, or having made application and proof of service, and having been rejected, instead of the above declaration, they will make a statement, setting forth, under oath, their having been previously on the pension roll, and their having been struck from the same, showing their rank, the regiment, corps, or vessel, in which they served, their present place of residence, and their place of residence when the first application was made, or of their application under the act of 15th May, 1828.
In a case where a claimant may make personal application at this Department, and can produce satisfactory proof of service, and of his identity also, at the seat of Government, he may make his declaration before a justice of the peace.
2. The case of the State troops, volunteers, and militia, is different. There are in the Department no rolls of the State troops, except those of Virginia; and no rolls of the militia, except those of New Hampshire.
Applicants who served in the State troops of Virginia, and applicants who served in the militia of New Hampshire, will be required to produce the same proof as is prescribed for those who served upon the Con-

tinental Establishment. But, with respect to the other State troops and militia, there is no record to advert to, and no presumption to be rebutted. The nature of the case, therefore, demands a different rule of proceeding.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers, or militia, except as is above provided, will make and subscribe the following declaration:
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of } ss. County of }
On this _____ day of _____ personally appeared (a) in open Court, Before the Court of _____ now sitting, A. B. a resident (b) of _____ in the County of _____ and State, Territory, or District of _____ aged (c) _____ years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company officers; the day (if possible) and the month and year (d) when the claimant entered the service, and the time when he left the same; (and, if under more than one engagement, he must specify the particular periods, and the rank and names of his officers;) the town, the county or State, in which he resided when he entered the service; whether he was draughted, was a volunteer or a substitute; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged; the country through which he marched; the continental regiments or companies with which he served; and the names of some of the Regular Officers whom he knew, together with such further particulars (e) as may be useful in the investigation of his claim; and also, if the facts be so, that he has no documentary evidence, and that he knows of no person, whose testimony he can procure, who can testify to his service.]
He hereby relinquishes (f) every claim whatever to a pension or annuity, except the present, and declares that his name is not on the Pension roll of the Agency of any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency of the State of _____
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
C. D.
And then will be annexed the following certificate:
We, A. B., a clergyman, residing in the _____ and C. D., residing in (the same) _____ hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with _____, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration: that we believe him to be _____ years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the court.]
And the said court do hereby declare their opinion, (g) after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B.
who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergymen, resident in the _____ and that C. D. who has also signed the same, is a resident in the _____ and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, _____ Clerk (h) of the Court of _____ do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of _____ for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal (i) of office, this _____ day of _____ &c.
The form of the proceedings and of the certificates will be so varied as to meet the case, when the declaration is made out of Court, before a Judge, as heretofore provided for.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating, in detail, his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration, (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following interrogatories (m) to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State Troops, or Volunteers, except the militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age; and, if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war; and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you draughted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute; and if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers who were with the troops where you served; such Continental and Militia regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your service. 

6. { To a Soldier. { Did you ever receive a discharge from the service; and, if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it? To an Officer. { Did you ever receive a commission; and, if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution?
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons—one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a clergyman, the Court will so certify; and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important (k) in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the inquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject. To require from the applicants positive proof of service from a temporary survivor, would, after a lapse of so many years, be to deprive many of them of the benefit of the law. And as no presumption is raised against the militia by the existence of rolls in the Department, there is no good reason why this requisition should be extended to them. On the other hand, to receive the declaration of the parties, as a sufficient ground for placing them upon the Pension Roll, without corroborating circumstances, would be to open the Treasury to great frauds. A just medium seems to present the best rule for carrying into effect the objects of Congress.
If the two persons, whose certificates are required, cannot be produced in Court, without too much inconvenience and expense to the applicant, then the statement of the facts and opinions above mentioned will be made, under oath, before some Judge or Justice of the Peace; and the certificate of the Court to the situation and credibility of the persons making the statement will be given.
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
3. Persons serving in the Marine forces.
4. Indian Spies.
Each of these two latter classes of cases will produce proof, as nearly as may be, conformably to the preceding regulations, and authenticated in a similar manner, with such variations as the different nature of the service may require.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
(a) The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
(b) The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
(c) The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
(d) The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
(e) Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had.
Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c., A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades: For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____ For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months , is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c., without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
(f) The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
(g) The opinion of the court is always required.
(h) The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
(i) The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of service.
(j) In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses; and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
The notes from (a) to (f) are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia-men, Volunteers, and State troops. The proof required by rule in note (j) applies to continental troops only, or in militia cases in which muster rolls exist.
(k) This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
(l) If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
(m) The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.

April 22 1845.
GARRISON APR 10
Col. H. H. H. a Dabney Freer.
June 1. 1832.
S —
FREE
James L. Edwards Commissioner of Revenue Washington D.C.

Warrenton, Rockingham County Virginia April 18 th 5.
Dear Sir:
Enclosed you will receive Mr Freemans papers for a previous account of 1832. As soon as judgment is given he is likely as to inform me of the result, by letter directed as above
Yours Respectfully Coleman Payne
To James L. Edwards Esq. Washington D.C.

Mr. C.
Freeman, Galway Purvis Papers
Jan 7. 1832.
PAID 25
James S. Edwards Esq. Washington City Pa. Co.

Harrisonburg Virginia Nov. 2nd 1845.
Sir:
I wish the enclosed papers filed in Mr. Freeman's case and examined in him - I will forward in a short time such testimony as I get in this case.
Yours most respect. Coleman Payne
To James L. Edwards Esq.
Harrisonburg 20 80.

Reasons for de- lay given in open Court before Judge David Smith
C. Payson.
No. 13.

Virginia Richmond County Court:
This day personally appeared in open Court before the Court of said County Robert Freeman and made oath in due form of Law to the facts set forth herein as reasons to the Department for his delay in not applying for a pension prior to 1841.
That up to the year 1840 he was under the impression that military men could not obtain a pension and being one himself never applied and that impression was not removed till the date of '40 when being poor he resolved to make enquiry and get whatever he might be entitled to. accordingly in 1840 he consulted Mr. Kenney of Staunton. in read to give his opinion as my guest. that thereupon he went to Washington and made himself known at the Pension office and how he handed the enclosed paper Mr. [blank] with directions to return home and send the same with a lawyer's hands. He returned home and went to Orange Court to see Lewis B. Williams a lawyer of third place in order to have his declaration drawn up before that Court being the Court from which he went into service. Mr. Williams wanted time he said to examine the pension Laws and requested me to come again - in the Spring of 1841 I again attended at Orange Court and was informed by Mr.

Williams that upon examination of the Heaven's Law , he could not get any clear through without very proof and directed me to visit old Alden and get the ne- cessary evidence and he would then draw up my dissertation - accordingly I endeavored and spent much of the month in visiting old man but found none by whom I could prove my services & did not return to Manse on that business any more. Not being able to find proof he had abandoned the case until the last Friday he resolved to make another eff- ort and more recently has ascertained that he was from his services by Mr. Snow of Abner's Brook . That his dissertation would have been made many years ago - but he went according to his assertions of Concord and did not know one syllable of the regulations himself. That he hopes these reasons will be satisfactory to the Rev. Departments .
Dabney his Freeman
James L. said entered in open Court, the 9 th day, October 1845.
Teste
H. J. Gambill Clerk of the Circuit Superior Court of Law & Chancery for Rockingham County Va
I Henry J. Gambill Clerk of the Circuit Superior Court of Law and Chancery for Rockingham County, do hereby certify that the foregoing is an Original Paper which was annexed to the

Declaration made in Open Court on the 9 th day of October last by Habury Townsend for a pension under the acts of Congress in that case made & revised which was ordered to be certified to the war department.
In Witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of my said Court, this 10 th day of November in the year 1815.
H. J. Gantlett Clerk C. S. C. Law & Chy of Rockingham County

Virginia
Spotsylvania County Comit:
I Richard Lane of said County certify under oath I am a soldier of the Revolution and served therefrom in the Virginia militia from Orange County - I remember that in the Spring of 1781 Captain White raised a company of men and myself the two Berlin Isaac and Labney Freeman and several others joined his company and went a foray into the lower Valley in and about Williamsburg and the Country on James River. I know Labney Freeman before this war became my father settled in the neighborhood in which the said Freeman and his father lived - during that time we passed through Louisa, Hanover, New Kent and Henrico and also the Country and was at Martin Hills. Labney As to Freeman's services I am positive and I also remember that we afterwards served another time together under the same Captain White which began in July '81 I think and lasted into the remainder of Cornwallis at York Town.

and during said second trip I remember our company was stationed at a place below Rich- mond called I think the "Savage fields" - That second trip lasted rather over three months according to my memory and we were dis- charged in the lower country and Labney Fra- neman and the Hester's and the Lucas came home together - of this trip I am positive but I do not think Isaac Franeman was with us during that second trip under White - If he was I have forgotten it - Labney however was with us and I suppose he was about my age - I think that I introduced at the time Labney Franeman had served a tour under White before I met and knew him, but of that I know nothing - all that I know being his tours which he served with us from the Spring to the Fall of 1781 - After the war I left that country and have since resided in Spotsylvania and do not remember to have seen the said Labney Franeman for the last 50 years and supposed he was dead for he moved from Orange to the back counties in Virg- a. Nor do I know that said Isaac Fran- eman was the father to Labney - I was at Labney's home a few days before he

1 recalled under which the first term - he then was said he afterwards married I decided. I always thought him a true soldier and I am of the opin- ion he was shot at the Siege - I know and am positive, Deputy Freeman and myself served six months under Captain White and also did the Rovers' and Lucas'. On that I cannot be mistaken for my memory is good in old matters.
Richard Lane
A.B. The words "Dabney" interlaced four times & "under" once, before signed.
Virginia —
Spotsylvania County Court
On this 26 th day of November 1848 personally appeared before us Richard Lane and made oath to the facts set forth in the foregoing affidavit. And we certify to the Department at Washington that said affidavit is personally known to us and is a highly re- spectable citizen of our County and very abili- ment he may make, may be implicitly relied on, being a man of strict veracity, and high standing. As witness our hands and seal this day and date above.
Cliveborne D. Waller James Hart James D. Williams

Virginia
Spotsylvania County to wit:
I Stapleton Crutchfield Clerk of the Court for said County do hereby certify that Clayton Duvall James Hart and James D. Dillard whose names are signed to the foregoing Certificate, are acting Justices of the peace in and for said County, and that the foregoing signatures purporting to be theirs are genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of my Office to be hereunto annexed this 2nd day of December 1845, and in the 70th year of the Commonwealth.
Stapleton Crutchfield Clk Said Court
Richd. Davis Testimony.
This testimony attests to the 1st and 2nd series of special orders under which said Justices of the peace were appointed to the office of Justice of the peace in and for said County. All which appears from the foregoing.
A. Payne

Virginia
Rockingham County Court:
On the day personally appeared in open Court before the Court of said County Mr Luther Stoney a Walnut Farmman aged about 84 years a resident of said County who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on his oath make the following declaration as a supplement to his former one for a pension under Act of June 1832 for a Pension.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated amending the below months in the Virginia militia: That as near as he can re- member he was drafted for a six months tour in the month of October 1780 under Captain White of Orange County Virginia. That as soon as said company was formed they marched to the River Rappahannock in company with a large body of militia that was raised about the same time. That in passing to the River Crossing his company was marched through Caroline, King & Queen and other Counties and was stationed some time during said tour at a place called the "Big Spring" in Essex or Suffolk Counties as he thinks. If not in those Counties it was somewhere near there - That after being stationed for some time at the "Big Spring" his company was marched to the head of his creek near Williamsburg and from there went in the direction of Norfolk passing near Gloucester, New Kent & Middlesex other Counties that after being stationed at various places in the lower County and the Spring of the year coming on his men were dischar- ged and he came home. That during said tour his company was not in any engagement but was in daily expectation of battle from shots of the enemy in the lower Counties. That he thinks one Anthony New or Cox who afterwards settled in Caroline County Virginia was his Colonel - of this he will not be positive

That one General Preston was his commanding officer at this period of his service, that during said first time of six months his company was not attached to any of the regular soldiers. sometimes the regulars would pass within a few miles of where his company was stationed. That of his friends here he has no documentary evidence and until lately knew of no one who could prove his ser- vices - but recently is informed that Mr. Richard Snow of Attleboro County been prior his services. That during said first time of six months he was a drafted militia man and his father Isaac Freeman was also a soldier in. That company and served till the war expired. That he did not ask for a discharge from said time it being generally known all hands were discharged and thought nothing of a "discharge". That said first time of 6 months he is almost positive was in the fall and winter of 17 80. but it might possibly have been in '79.
That he was not long after returning home from the above time again drafted in the militia under the same Captain White, for a three months time and being at that time still young he went as he was very willing - That said company was ready in a short time and according to memory marched to the lower County on Bush River in Virginia passing through King William & Hanover Counties and he is quite positive said second draft was made early in the Spring of 1781 probably in the month of April of that year - his company was not stationed long at any particular place during said time - the places at which his company did stop however he heard of no particular names and consequently did  can not name the places at which his company was stationed at and during said time. That during said time his company was in the vicinity of near a farm called Hampton somewhere near the Bay. That during said second time of three months his company was commanded he thinks by one Colonel Tillman but he cannot say in what County he lived - he did not

know the man except from sight. That Dury said that his company was not attached to the regulars but was attached to their sides of the militia, among his comrades. That this he remembers Cyrus H. Haines of Louis Creek - ultimately - also Gideon Cogswell & others from Orange all of whom have died. Mr. Haines departed this life about 10 years since. That many circumstances occurred during said time which he has forgotten & is not sure of sufficient importance to name. That his Regiment of said company was as follows named James Jenkins of said County of Orange during said second term, as above named. That he returned home after being discharged from said second term and some time in the month of July 1781 he was again drafted in the militia in the same company under Capt. White with said Jenkins as Lieutenant and marched to the Quaker bordering on Both River that said march was a short one and the enemy it was thought was then advancing their forces - That his company went to Glen-ester Creek and remained sometime thereabout and marched from there to near Williamsburg and was then marched under General Weedon of the regular army to the Siege of Both Town which he distinctly remembers for at that battle he received two wounds in the leg which can be seen at this day - Generals Washington, Weedon & others were with the militia during his last term and he knew them all by sight. That his reasons for adding in asking a pension are embodied in another piece of paper and herewith enclosed. He hereby acknowledges every term whatever to a pension or annuity - except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension rolls of the agency of any State in the U. States.
Deborah Freeman
I am and subscribed in open Court this 9th of October 1835.
Testi -

And the said Court upon the oath of the applicant that it is inconsequential for him to prove the certificate in Court of a clergyman in regard to his services and being informed that his services could be proved by Mr. Saxon of Albemarle County now living, do therefore with the necessity of conforming to the rules laid down by the Department and certify the declaration and interrogatories to the bar office without expressing any opinion itself on the case from the fact of having no acquaintance with the applicant who lives in a remote part of the County. The clerk being also of opinion that in all cases it would be better to have the proof of living certificates than the opinion of the truth of the statement of applicants from individuals. And this order is made at the request of the Clerk for the Applicant Coleman Paynes which is ordered to be certified to the next Department, Teste —
Henry J. Gambrell Clerk hereof Sup. Court Law & Chancery Rockingham Co.
I Henry J. Gambrell Clerk of the present Superior Court of Law and Chancery for Rockingham County do hereby certify that the foregoing is the Original Declaration of Dabney Freeman made in open Court, on the 2 nd day of October 1845.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of my said Court, the 2 nd day, November in the year 1845.
H. J. Gambrell Clerk of C. S. C. Law of Rockingham County

Snow.
Elffordavit. Richard
Taken in open Court. in American Court.

State of Virginia
At a court held for Albemarle County the 8 th of Nov 1845.
Affidavit of Richard Snow in open Court. I, Richard Snow of Albemarle County, Virginia age ninety three next June being testified under oath. I am a Soldier of the Revolution and a Pensioner under the General Government . I was raised, in the said County of Albemarle, near the dividing line between Orange and Albemarle, and my services in the War were performed under various Captains, in the Virginia Militia, the names of whom from memory were Capt. Incho Woodson, Capt. Ross Janney, and Capt. Henderson, (and probably others), all of which my papers will show, at the War office. I served altogether two years in the Virginia Militia, and the prin- cipal portion of our time was spent in Lower Virginia - between Williamsburg, Norfolk, Richmond, and Fredericksburg, which in the latter part of the War I remember we were in the Lower Counties below Fredericksburg, and were joined by various Militia Companies from the upper Counties. Among them I remember very well Captain White's Company from Orange - coming near the neighborhood in which I was raised came down, and his Company were with us for six months and a few days more and then returned home. In his Company there were various acquaintances of mine and among them, I distinctly remember, Walter Fre- eman, Henry, and Joe Sneed, and several of the Per- gersons. All of whom I knew before they came down and they served their six months out. for we were raised not far a place. I will not be positive as to the time when White's Company joined us except that I know it was sometime before my Company, was under General Wayne, which was in the Summer of 1781. We were at the "Big Springs" in Caroline or Essex, I think. Williamsburg, Norfolk and other places where our Companies were associated together during that time. I think, and am almost positive that White's Company

was with us in the Winter and Fall of 1780. among my associates in my Company, which was called out, I think by Captain Hudson in the year 1780 were Roger Thompson. William Mansfield Howard Rued James Harris. William Freeman and some of the mess Shifters - all of whom are dead
I remember that White's Company were again with us in the later Campaign, sometime before and at the surrender of Lord Cornwallis at York Town, and Freeman and the Luce's were in his Company again; after the surrender I saw nothing of White's Company. I knew him very well; We lived in the same neighborhood - he on the Orange side and I on the Albemarle side. His Company was with us at various places on York River and near in Gloucester and other Counties. - Altogether Captain White's company was with us over nine months - and I knew that Freeman and the Luce's were in his Company, for I saw them almost daily. I know they were at the surrender of Cornwallis for I was there myself and marched with the prisoners to Hanover Courthouse. Our Colonel was French & Orange. Tellers & Bow - This statement however is made from memory, I have not seen Freeman for 20- years or more.
A Copy
Richard Snow.
Note
Jan 1846
Signed before me Open Court 5 Nov 1845.
And the Court doth certify to the War Department that Richard Snow the affiant is a man of good standing and respectability.
My testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court, this 24th day of Jan'y 1846 in the 7th year of the Commonwealth. Jan 1846

Whites
Affidavit.
Jan. 1846.

State of Virginia
County of Greene S.S.
I Richard White of said County hereby certify under oath I am a soldier of the Revolution and a Prisoner under the general government. I am raised in my present neighborhood then called Orange County but since divided and Greene taken from it. I re- member that Salney Freeman was a soldier in Cap. James White's company of militia men raised in said County of Orange and according to my mem- oires Freeman marched to the River Danville- in White in the fall of 1780. Cap. White was a relation of mine and his company was attached to ours and I am positive Salney Freeman served a six months tour under him the fall and winter of 1780. for our companies were together more or less the entire winter of 1780. During that time I re- member our companies were together in Carolina. After King and New Counties and I also remember I saw the said Freeman at Port Royal in Carolina and after staying there for some time our companies marched to the River Danville and went to Williams burg and from that place toward Norfolk. I am positive of said time because Freeman was an acquaintance of mine as was also James Free- man his father Henry and John Lucas and

Robert Harn all of whom were prisoners in White's company but none of them are alive that I know of except Dabney Freeman. I also remember the time of White's men expired in the lower County shortly after the news of the Battle of Guilford Court House and Cornwallis having come to Petersburg it was thought advisable to return the men to meet any emergency in the lower part of Virginia. White did return his men a week or so after their term expired and they complaining heavily was dischar- ged. I also remember that Dabney and his father came another time under White in the Spring of 1781 and being from the same County brought our com- panies kept together. I think that war began early in April 1781. and its lasted for three months during the same we were at Hampton and many other places in the lower part of the State. I af- terwards saw Dabney Freeman at the surrender of Cornwallis but I cannot say under what officer he came - he had a musket and was with me once or twice during the siege.
Wm H Harn
Virginia
Mem
On the 13 th day of February 1846 personally appeared before us the above affirm Richard White and made

all to the facts set forth in the foregoing affidavits and we certify that said Richard White is personally known to us and is a man of strict and unques- tionable veracity - all which we certify to the de- partment at Washington City. Witness our hands and seals this day and date above, being justices of the Peace for our said County. Anthony Thornton AB John B White
State of Virginia - Greene County to wit: I Robert Pritchett Clerk of the Court of Greene County, certify that Anthony Thornton, and John B White Gentlemen are Justices of the Peace in the County aforesaid and that the foregoing signatures purporting to be theirs are genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my Seal of office, and subscribed my name this 15 day of January 1846. Robt Pritchett Greene County Clerk

Jan 24. 1886 Original
50
Be Salmon Freeman
Jan 2. 1882
W. Coleman Payson Can't get to the letter with B
James L. Edwards Esq.
Commissioner of Customs
Washington D.C.
W

Charlottesville Jan. 21st. 1846.
Sir:
I enclose papers in the case of Leatney Freeman for a Pension under Act of June 1832. As soon as decision is given please inform me of the result as after to all my residence in Admin- by Virginia.
Yours Respectfully Coleman Payson
To James L. Edwards Esq.

Freeman's reasons respecting the six months trial -
And evidence in his own.
C. Payne 
Taken from a sketch of of Green County for con- venience of application.
C. Payne 

Virginia
Greene County Court:
On this 15 th day of January in the year 1846 personally appeared before me in my said County Court, David Freeman a citizen of Rockingham County adjoining the said County of Greene and made oath in due form of law to the facts herein stated to be filed in his application for a Pension under Act of June 7 th 1832, before the War Department at Washington City.
That the letter of the Commissioner of Pensions rejecting his claim because of the known service of the Virginia militia being in service of three months instead of six has been shown him and for answer therefor says that he cannot be mistaken as to the length of his first tour under Captain White for he well remembers it was generally understood in his neighborhood to be a six months tour. That it was for Thomsen the only six months tour of which he had any knowledge during the Revolutionary War. That he gave said tour under White of six

months there was a company raised for a three months service and on that occasion he together with others drew blank tickets and in that way was exempted from a three months service preceding the one for six months herein before mentioned. That when the individuals had drawn in the six months service Captain White he will remember charged them — particularly to equip themselves for a six months service and in view of the matter then approaching went so far as to specify what amount of clothing each man was required to carry with him. Of this fact he is positive because he remembers that after joining the rest of his company his knapsack was so heavy that he was compelled the 2nd or 3rd day's march to leave behind him a portion of his apparel which afterwards in camp he greatly needed. That he has forgotten the name of the gentleman at whose headquarters clothing was left — but that on his return home, he called on and carried them back with him.
That of the length of said

ever he cannot be mistaken. but as to its precise day he may - it was however to the best of his memory a short time after the onset of the Battle of Lexington marked the neighborhood in which he lived. That at that time fear was entertained by the people in the County of an invasion of Virginia by the British and he understood the company was raised to march south in helping them back.
That his company under the said Captain White - for six months - marched to the lower Counties in Virginia and he remembers they passed through Potomac river leaving. Essex, Westmoreland &c and were stationed for a considerable time at a place in the lower County called the "Big Spring". That from thence his company took up quarters in "Fort Royal" a village in the lower Counties and whilst stationed there made frequent excursions through the adjoining Counties in search of the enemy then in bands committing depredation on the property of the inhabitants of the County. That in one of these of marches in Middlesex he thinks he

company were in close pursuit of the enemy and reached several fine plantations whilst the buildings were still in flames. That at that time his company suffered very much from the severe weather and that on their return all hands together with various other companies of militia were marched to Williamsburg. That at that place there were several thousand sol- diers and he supposes it was the head quar- ters of the Virginia forces. That at Wil- liamsburg his company remained for some- time - does not remember how long - but whilst there the news of the Battle of the Camps reached camp and he well remembers there were much rejoicing on the occasion. The commanding officers ordered a "Rejoice free" & the next day the entire force assem- bled at Williamsburg and marched out for that purpose and the "free" was made. That his company did not remain at Williamsburg long as the news of said battle of Camps before they were marched in the direction of Norfolk as he heard to match the movements of a portion of the

enemy then under Arnold. That a good deal of damage had been done on the coast by Ar- nold's men as he heard at the time but he saw nothing of them. That said he had out their supplies and his company mov- ing up to Norfolk and remained in that section some three or four weeks to the best of his memory - but that they were in an engagement. That at that time a good deal was said of Arnold a- mong the soldiers and each one with whom he was acquainted seemed anx- ious to take him - it was ascertained however that he had not left the nation in person. That the sufferings of his com- pany for food and rations was al- most indescribable and their ex- pectations were such that for a while each man had to shift for himself and obtain provision in the best way he could. That said he was captured in the Lower Bridge about the time news was received of the defeat of the Americans at Guilford C. H. as he thinks - that he came home in company with a good many men, among whom were Charles Thomas, Henry Strode

John and Henry Lucas and his father Isaac Freeman all of whom were privates in Wheeler's Company but are now dead. That on his re- turn home from said tour of six months he was again drafted under the same Captain for a third month tour which he served out, as also a third tour for some time of three months which he served and during which was at the surrender of Appomattox at Fort Fisher Virginia.
That this statement is respectfully submitted to the Commissioners as embracing reasons why he cannot be mistaken as- pecting his first tour of six months:- And that the same is made before me a justice of the Peace for the County of Greene adjoining Roanoke for the convenience of the affiant his Dabney Freeman who is old and infirm. Dabney Freeman mark
Sworn to and subscribed before me this day and date above written
George S. Blakey J.P.

<
State of Virginia: Green County To wit I Robert Pritchett Clerk of the Court of Green County, Certify that George P. Bluford Gentleman is a Magistrate as above, and that the foregoing Signature purporting to be his is genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my Seal of Office and subscribed my name this 15 th day of January 1846.
Rob t Pritchett Clerk Green County Court

Declaration of Bat- ney Freeman exam- ined by his Honor Daniel Smith Judge of the Superior Court circuit. C. P. Pugh = 112 =
No. 1.

Hovey & Hovey N. Freemansville Application
No. 2.

Virginia to wit,
At a court held for the County of Rockingham on Monday the 6 th day of March in the year 1846.
Upon the application of Abney or Babney Freeman, for a pension, under the act of Congress of June 7 th 1832, the following questions and answers were received by the court & ordered to be recorded, where the questions and answers are in the words and figures following to wit, 1 st where, and in what year, were you born? Answer, I was born in Orange County in the year 1768.
2 d Have you any record of your age & place, where is it? Answer I have no record myself, it exists though, in the Church where I was christened in — County.
3 d Where were you living when called into service - where have you lived since the Revolutionary War, - and where do you now live? Answer I live in this County, at this time, and have lived in this County, and Augusta for 36 years past.
4 th How were you called into service, were you drafted - did you volunteer, or were you a substitute, and if a substitute for whom? Answer I was drafted in the same company which my father served in, I never was a substitute for any one -
5 th State the names of some of the regular officers, who were with the troops, where you served, - such Continental and Militia regiments, as you can recollect, and the General Circumstances of your service? Answer I know only three Generals which I was in service, they were, Washington, Lafayette, and General Wayne, they with their men, were with us during my service, and I know them all by sight, I saw Cornwallis surrender his sword, my father held me on his shoulder, that I might see the ceremony, I fought by his side during the twelve months, -
6 th Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so by whom was it given, and what has become of it? Answer No I did not call for a discharge: I understood the war was has  was over in America, and I thought of nothing but getting back home.
7 th State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify to your veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution? Answer,

I know General Saml Lewis of this County, Capt. Runnave, Major. exarm. Dr. Kemper, Stephen Hunsberger, Colo. Givens, Colo. Manzey, Albert Manzey Esq. Colo. Nicholas, all of whom can speak of my Character, for I live near to them all, his
Dabney X. Freeman marks Sworn to and Subscribed on this 17 th day of March 1845. Abraham Smith.
I Henry J. Gambill Clerk of the Court of the said County of Rockingham, State of Virginia, do hereby Certify, that the within is a true Copy of the Order made by the Court, in the case of the application of Dabney or Dabney Freeman for a pension under the act of Congress of the 7 th of June 1837, as also a true Copy of the questions and answers, attached to said application, the original of which is entered of Record, and filed in my Office; and I do hereby further Certify, that Abraham Smith esquire, before whom the said questions and answers, were sworn to and Subscribed, as Certified by him, was at the time of doing the same, and now is one of the acting Magistrates in and for the said County, and that the name attached to said questions and answers, purporting to be his, is the proper signature of the said Abraham Smith. In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed the seal of my said County, and set my hand this 18 th day of March in the year 1845.
H. J. Gambill Clerk of the Court of Rockingham Co. Va